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Toshiba Satellite A200
Toshiba continues to attempt to make laptops that appeal to everyone and the Toshiba Satellite A200 is another in their product line. It comes in twelve different configurations to be sure to offer something for everyone. This is a relatively solid machine, but it really doesn't do anything outstandingly well.
The base model comes with dual 512MB memory, which is not suitable for running Vista. One option an owner has is to buy two 1 GB memory replacements. Graphics are handled by the NVIDIA's GeForce G7300, which is better than the Intel offering would have been. It runs the Vista Aero interface well enough, but anything else would be pushing it.
It is worth upgrading to the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 if graphics and 3D performance are important to you. This is available on the PSPBGA-01X015 model.
As with other Toshiba Satellite laptops, the A200 doesn't bother with Blu-ray technology, but competitors in the same price range don't usually do that either. In the lid is a digital camera for recording YouTube files and video conferencing friends or family.
Video options are located on the left hand side of the chassis. The USB ports and the DVD drive are located on the right side. Ports on the right suit the right hand computer users best.
Specifications of the Toshiba Satellite A200
These are the specs for the base unit and will vary based on the model selected. Check manufacturer's specs for each specific unit.
- 1.73 GHz Core 2 Duo CPU
- 1GB DDR2 667MHz memory
- 5400rpm 120GB hard drive
- Built-in 1.3 megapixel digital camera
- Biometric fingerprint reader
- 2 USB ports
- DVD burner and optical drive
- 4-pin FireWire connector
- Express Card slot
- 56 Kbps modem
What Are the Cons?
The touchpad is rather small, although it is responsive enough. The keyboard could have been shifted some toward the top so the pad could have been larger. There are some viewing angle problems with the screen, and turning down the lights reveals contrast ratio flaws.
The memory is quite an issue for anyone attempting to run Vista. It simply won't work without an upgrade to the memory, and even then it is marginal with only 2 GB. The maximum memory for this computer is 4GB.
The run time for the battery is a reasonable 2-1/2 hours for use with a low display setting. This would translate to a reasonable amount of time for working between charges. The problem is a movie running continuously only has about 1-1/4 hours running time. This is due in part to the energy zapping speakers.
The Pros for the Toshiba Satellite A200
This Toshiba might attempt to do too much for too many people, but it is a unit that will be productive for business use primarily, not for gaming. The A200 has very good sound for a notepad or laptop, thanks to the Harman/Kardon speakers. The overall picture quality is sufficient for anything other than true Hi-Def video. Pricing is also conservative enough for most budgets.